Detergent compositions containing a textile softener

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a combination of surface-active compounds utilizable in neutral to alkaline textile washing baths which comprises (a) from 20 to 90 percent by weight of customary surface-active compounds utilizable in neutral to alkaline textile washing baths selected from the group consisting of anionic surface-active compounds, amphoteric surface-active compounds, non-ionic surface-active compounds and mixtures thereof and (b) from 80 to 10 percent by weight of a textile softener selected from the group consisting of (1) compounds of the formula   WHEREIN R1 and R2 are alkyl having from six to 18 carbon atoms and X is a trivalent link selected from the group consisting of   WHERE N REPRESENTS AN INTEGER FROM 0 TO 2, M REPRESENTS AN INTEGER FROM 1 TO 2 AND P REPRESENTS AN INTEGER FROM 2 TO 3 COMPOUNDS OF THE FORMULA   WHEREIN R3 and R4 are members selected from the group consisting of alkyl having from one to 23 carbon atoms and cycloalkylalkyl having from seven to 23 carbon atoms and R5 is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl having from one to 23 carbon atoms and cycloalkylalkyl having from seven to 23 carbon atoms, with the proviso that the total number of carbon atoms in R1, R2 and R3 is from six to 24 carbon atoms and (2) water soluble salts thereof. Textile washing agents and textile auxiliary washing agents containing the above combinations of surface-active compounds, with or without a content of enzymes are also part of the invention.

AU 165 EX uiuteu' males ratent I 1 Fries et al.

[451 Oct.29, 1974 1 DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING A TEXTILE SOFTENER [75] Inventors: Walter Fries, Erkrath-Unterbach Rhld.; Markus Berg; Manfred Dohr, both of Dusseldorf-Holthausen, all

[21] Appl. No.: 249,217

Related US. Application Data [60] Division of Ser. No. 2,722, Jan. 14, 1970, Pat. No. 3,676,338, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 745,952, July 18, 1968, abandoned.

[52] US. Cl. 252/8.6, ll7/l39.5 F, 252/8.7, 252/96, 252/108, 252/109, 252/110, 252/121 [51] Int. Cl..... Clld l/04, Clld1/83, D06m 13/20 [58] Field of Search 252/8.6, 875, 8.8, 108, 252/99, 121

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,422,020 1/1969 Schmadel 252/99 3,520,816 7/1970 DeACetiS 252/108 3,607,761 9/1971 Feighner 252/108 3,676,338 7/1972 Fries et a1 252/8.75 3,676,340 7/1972 Berg et al. 252/8.75

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 718,282 l/1969 Belgium 252/8.75 686,247 3/1969 South Africa 252/108 OTHER PUBLICATIONS An Introduction to Textile Finishing, by J. T. Marsh, published by Chapman & Hall LTD., London, 1948, pages 259-266, TS 1510.M3.

Primary Examiner-Leon D. Rosdol Assistant Examiner-Dennis L. Albrecht Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Hammond & Littell [57] ABSTRACT This invention relates to a combination of surface active compounds utilizable in neutral to alkaline textile washing baths which comprises a) from 20 to 90 percent by weight of customary surface-active compounds utilizable in neutral to alkaline textile washing baths selected from the group consisting of anionic surface-active compounds, amphoteric surface-active compounds, non-ionic surface-active compounds and mixtures thereof and (b) from 80 to 10 percent by weight of a textile softener selected from the group consisting of l com pounds of the formula wherein R and R are alkyl having from six to 18 carbon atoms and X is a trivalent link selected from the group consisting of where n represents an integer from 0 to 2, m represents an integer from 1 to 2 and p represents an integet from 2 to3compounds of the formula wherein R and R, are members selected from the group consisting of alkyl having from one to 23 carbon atoms and cycloalkylalkyl having from seven 0 23 carbon atoms and R is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl having from one to 23 carbon atoms and cycloalkylalkyl having from seven to 23 carbon atoms, with the proviso that the total number of carbon atoms in R R and R is from six to 24 carbon atoms and (2) water soluble salts thereof. Textile washing agents and textile auxiliary washing agents containing the above combinations of surface-active compounds, with or without a content of enzymes are also part of the invention.

14 Claims, No Drawings DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING A TEXTILE SOFTENER REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS This application is a division of copending US. Patent application Ser. No. 2,722, filed Jan. 14, 1970, now US. Pat. No. 3,676,338 which application in turn was a continuation-in-part of the copending US. Patent application Ser. No. 745,952, filed July 18, 1968, now abandoned.

THE PRIOR ART After drying washed textiles, especially those of cotton or similar cellulose fibers, a distinct harshening of the handle is to be noted especially when these textiles have been washed in drum washing machines. This phenomenon is particularly unpleasant in the case of laundered articles which come in contact with human skin during use, particularly underwear, bed linen and towels. In addition, considerable value is also attached to a pleasant handle in the case of other laundered articles such as, for example, table linen.

It is known that this undesired harshening of the handle can be avoided during laundering by adding cationic substances which contain at least two high molecular weight fatty residues in the molecule to the last rinsing bath. In practice, dialkyl-dimethyl-ammonium salts suspendable in water have been utilized for this purpose. Since these cationic textile softeners give water-insoluble precipitates with anionic detergent substances, they cannot be added to the washing agent itself. Even when they are added to the last rinsing bath, precipitates may be formed from the reaction of the cationic textile softeners with the residues of anionic detergent substances which are still present in the rinsing water or on the fibers of the washed textiles.

In the British Patent Specification No. 1,052,847 it was proposed to add cationic textile softeners to washing compositions based on anionic surface-active compounds. However, an improvement of the handle of the washed articles cannot be obtained in this way. The reason for this probably lies in the formation of the above-mentioned water-soluble precipitates.

No previously known textile softeners compatible with anionic detergent substances have been reported, particularly for inclusion to the customary textile washing agents.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is the obtention of textile softeners which are substantive and compatible with neutral to alkaline textile washing agents.

Another object of the invention is the obtention of a combination of surface-active compounds utilizable in neutral to alkaline textile washing baths which comprises (a) from to 90 percent by weight of customary surface-active compounds utilizable in neutral to alkaline textile washing baths selected from the group consisting of anionic surface-active compounds, amphoteric surface-active compounds, nonionic surfaceactive compounds and mixtures thereof and (b) from 80 to 10 percent by weight of a textile softener selected from the group consisting of l compounds of the formula wherein R, and R are alkyl having from six to 18 carbon atoms and X is a trivalent link selected from the group consisting of where n represents an integer from 0 to 2, m represents an integer from 1 to 2 and p represents an integer from 2 to 3, compounds of the fonnula l-C O O H wherein R and R are members selected from the group consisting of alkyl having from one to 23 carbon atoms and cycloalkylalkyl having from seven to 23 carbon atoms and R is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl having from one to 23 carbon atoms and cycloalkylalkyl having from seven to 23 carbon atoms, with the proviso that the total number of carbon atoms in R R and R is from six to 24 carbon atoms and (2) water soluble salts thereof.

A further object of the invention is the obtention of neutral to alkaline textile washing agents and washing adjuvants which contain from 5 to 8Q percent by weight of the above combination of surface-active compounds and the remainder of the customary washing agent components.

A still further object of the invention is the obtention of the above combination of surface-active compounds together with a further content of enzymes, particularly proteases, amylases, lipases and mixtures thereof.

A yet further object of the invention is the obtention of neutral to alkaline textile washing agents and washing adjuvants containing from 5 to 80 percent by weight of the above combination of surface-active compounds together with a further content of enzymes.

These and other objects of the invention will become 9!? we ers. th ti ati t s wf we 5B TlqN QFIHE INVENTION This invention relates particularly to a combination of anionic and/or amphoteric and/or non-ionic surfaceactive compounds useful in neutral to alkaline textile washing baths, including an anionic surface-active textile softener. This combination of surface-active compounds is characterized in that it contains (a) 20 to 90 percent by weight, preferably to 35 percent by weight, of surface active compounds of the abovementioned types and (b) as textile softener, to 10 percent, preferably 25 to 65 percent, by weight of l a carboxylic acid of the general formula or its water-soluble salts, wherein R, and R represents straight or branched chain alkyl radicals, which may be the same or different, containing six to 18, preferably eight to 12 carbon atoms, while X represents one of the following trivalent links:

in which n represents the whole number to 2, m represents the whole numbers I or 2 and p represents the whole numbers 2 or 3. The number of carbon atoms present in R, and R, may be the same or different. If different, the larger of the two alkyl radicals preferably contains not more than twice as many, and in particular not more than l.5 times as many, carbon atoms as the smaller of the two alkyl radicals. Preferably, the sum of the total number of carbon atoms in R, and R, should be between 12 and 24, especially between 14 and 20. In addition to the carboxylic acids indicated above, small amounts of similarly constructed compounds may be present which contain in the residues R,, R, and perhaps also in the residue X, more or less carbon atoms than the number indicated, without the desired effect being thereby harmed, and (2) a carboxylic acid of the general formula or its water-soluble salts, wherein R and R represent aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic residues, such as alkyl and cycloalkylalkyl, preferably alkyl residues with one to 23, preferably one to 21 and in particular one to 19 carbon atoms and R represents hydrogen or R The total number of carbon atoms in R,, R, and R is from six to 24 carbon atoms, preferably from seven to l9 carbon atoms.

The invention further relates to washing agents and washing agent adjuvants containing such combinations of surface-active compounds with a content of other customary washing agent constituents, in which case the said combinations of surface-active compounds may constitute 5 to 80 percent, preferably to 40 percent, by weight and the usual washing agent constituents may constitute to 95 percent, preferably 85 to 60 percent by weight. Examples of the other customary washing agent constituents are neutral to alkaline reacting builders, complex-forming compounds, bleaching components, foam stabilizers, foam inhibitors and dirt carriers. Sufficient alkali is preferably present in the basic washing composition substance for a l percent solution of the finished washing composition or washing assistant to have a pH value in the region of 8 to 12, preferably of 9 to l I.

If the products according to the invention contain more than 45 percent by weight of the above combination of surface-active compounds, they are mostly not used as domestic washing agents, but are chiefly used in industrial laundries and in the textile industry, where they are seldom used along but more often in cornbina- V tion with the usual additives. ln such products, byproducts from the preparation of the surface-active compounds or the textile softeners may be present as well as the usual additives.

Finally, the invention relates to combinations of surface-active compounds and washing agents or washing agent adjuvants containing these, which also contain enzymes.

Suitable enzymes are chiefly proteases. amylases and lipases, which may be incorporated in the products according to the invention either alone or in conjunction with one another. Where finished washing agents or washing agent adjuvants are concerned. their protease content may correspond to activities of 50 to 5.000, preferably to 2500 LVE; their amylase content, to activities of 20 to 5,000, preferably 50 to 2,000 SKBE; and their lipase content, to activities of 2 to 1,000, preferably 5 to 500 IE per gram of said washing agent or washing agent adjuvant.

When the preparations according to the invention relate to combinations of surface-active compounds which are frequently used in combination with the usual builders and additives in industrial laundries, the enzyme content of these preparations can be so high that the product composed of the respective combination of surface-active compounds used and the other constituents of washing agent and washing agent adjuvant simultaneously used has the above given enzyme content. Since the combination of surface-active compounds may constitute 5 to 80 percent, preferably 15 to 40 percent, of a finished washing agent or washing agent adjuvant, enzyme activities are calculated for the combinations of surface-active compounds which correspond to 62.5 to l00,000 LVE in the case of proteases, 25 to 100,000 SKBE in the case of amylases and 2.5 to 20,000 lE in the case of lipases, per gram of the combinations of surface-active compounds. Of course, combinations of surface-active compounds with such high enzyme activities as are present in the upper limits, can only be prepared when very active enzyme preparations are available. Therefore, one is usually restricted to maximum values for activity of 50,000 LVE, 50,000 SKBE and 10,000 [E per gram of combinations of surface-active compounds. The enzyme activities are preferably in the range of 250 to 15,000 LVE, to 15,000 SKBE, and 12.5 to 3,500 IE per gram of combinations of surface-active compounds.

The above data on the content of enzymes and activities of the preparations according to the invention are obtained from the activities of those enzyme prepara tions which are available at the present time, from the standpoint of economy, for use in the washing agent field. From the technical-chemical standpoint the enzyme activities of the preparations according to the invention can be increased, if feasible, so that the activities as regards proteases and amylases can be raised to five times, and as regards lipases, to l0 times the above given maximum values. Therefore, should, in the future, enzyme preparations with higher enzyme contents be supplied, which also appear suitable economically for use in washing agents, one has the choice either of keeping the enzyme activity of the preparation to the above given height by use of smaller amounts of enzymes or of increasing the enzyme activity with use of the same amount of enzymes.

The following references in the literature are referred to relative to the determination of the enzyme activities:

Determination of the activity of proteases by Lohlein-Volhard: A. Kunzel: Gerbereichemisches Taschenbuch, 6th

Ed., Dresden and Leipzig, 1955.

Determination of the activity of amylases:

J. Wohlgemuth: Biochemische Zeitschrift," 1908,

Vol. 9, pages I-9; and

R. M. Sandsteadt, E. Kneen and M. J. Blish: Cereal Chemistry," 1939, Vol. 16, pages 712-723.

Determination of the activity of lipases:

R. Willstatter, E. Waldschmidt-Leitz and Fr. Memmen: Hoppe-Seylers Zeitschrift fur physiologische Chemie, 1923, Vol. 125, pages 110-1 17; and

R. Boissonas: Helvetia Chimica Acta, 1948, Vol.

31, pages 1571-1576. The textile softeners of the formula wherein R R, and X have the above values are readily available materials.

The nitrogen-free branched-chain carboxylic acids obtainable by known processes, for example, by malonic ester synthesis or by catalytic addition of olefins to carboxylic acids.

The Guerbet synthesis offers a further possible preparation. By this process, aliphatic alcohols, especially those with six or more carbon atoms, are heated in the presence of finely divided alkali metal hydroxide, then a condensation takes place with formation of a branched-chain alcohol, water being split off between the hydroxyl group of one alcohol molecule and a hydrogen atom on carbon atom 2 of a second alcohol molecule. This branched-chain alcohol can then be oxidized or dehydrogenated to give the corresponding carboxylic acid.

Similarly constructed aminocarboxylic acids or their salts can be prepared from the corresponding dialkylamines, for example, by reaction with methyl acrylate or chloroacetic acid esters and saponiflcation of the prod uct of addition, or by addition of chloracetic acid or its salts. The compounds with carbonamide groups are obtained in a similar way from the corresponding dialkylamines by reaction with dicarboxylic acid anhydrides or by reaction with half ester chlorides of dicarboxylic acids and saponification of the ester group.

The textile softeners of the formula wherein R R, and R, have the above values are likewise readily available materials.

Such carboxylic acids are commercially available in a simple way by addition of carbon monoxide and water to olefins by the Koch process (see H. Koch: Brennstoffchemie" (Fuel chemistry), 1955, vol. 26, pages 321-328). There are a number of variants of this synthesis; reference may be made to the publications, R. F. Goldstein and A. W. Waddams; The Petroleum Chemicals Industry," London 1967. pages 207-209 and J. Falbe: Syntheses with carbon monoxide," Berlin and Heidelberg, 1967, pages -128.

The synthesis does not consist only of an addition of carbon monoxide and water to the starting olefins; isomerizations also take place, so that the reaction products obtained represent a mixture of a variety of isomers, in which the residues R to R may be approximately the same with respect to their degree of branching and the number of carbon atoms contained therein, but may also be very different from one another. Such isomeric mixtures are obtained in particular from mixtures of aliphatic olefins with terminal or non-terminal double bonds, which differ from one another with regard to the carbon number and/or the position of the double bond in the molecule. In a similar way, cycloaliphatic olefins or cycloaliphatic-aliphatic olefins or mixtures thereof with purely aliphatic olefins can be converted into carboxylic acids of the above-indicated structure.

Among suitable carboxylic acids under the above formula are those sold under the trademark Versatic acids. These acids are saturated synthetic tertiary monocarboxylic acids. Versatic 911 acid contains a mixture of acids having C C and C chain lengths.

Versatic 1519 acid contins a mixture of acids having C to C chain lengths and Versatic 1621 acid contains a mixture of acids having C to C chain lengths.

The invention is not restricted; however, to the carboxylic acids or their water-soluble salts prepared by the said process, according to the invention, carboxylic acids of the above given structure are also utilizable when they have been prepared by different processes.

All these compounds are denoted below, for the sake of simplicity, as branched-chain carboxylic acids."

The above-described water-soluble salts of branched chain carboxylic acids serving as textile softeners in the composition according to the invention are surfaceactive compounds and resemble soap in their behavior. This applies especially to alterations in the foaming power of synthetic, especially anionic, surface-active compounds. Thus, salts of such branched chain carboxylic acids containing 20 and more carbon atoms in the molecule can reduce the foaming power of anionic surface-active compounds. Therefore, other surfaceactive or non-surface-active foam inhibitors may be used in correspondingly smaller amounts or be completely omitted.

The invention is of special practical importance for the so-called heavy-duty washing agents, that is for washing agents which are used in the main washing operation. Machine washing agents with foam-inhibiting properties are included thereby, but also all purpose washing agents, which show good foaming capacity at temperatures up to 60 C, while the development of foam abates more and more with the rise in temperature above 60 C. The surface-active components of such washing agents may simultaneously contain foam stabilizers and foam inhibitors with an action dependent on temperature.

Such surface-active components consist mostly of synthetic, anionic, amphoteric and/or non-ionic surface-active compounds as well as soaps with, for example, l2 to 18 carbon atoms in the fatty acid residue, or the soaps of corresponding free fatty acids. The soap fraction may be wholly or partly replaced by the branched-chain carboxylic acids" used according to the invention. The surface-active sulfonates, and also the corresponding sulfates have special practical importance as the synthetic anionic surface-active compounds. The anionic surface-active component usually constitutes at least 50 percent of all the types of synthetic surface-active compounds mentioned under (a) in the combination of surface-active compounds.

The foaming capacity of anionic and/or non-ionic surface-active compounds can be effected by choice of suitable fatty acid components. Inhibition of foaming, especially at temperatures from 60 to l C, increases with the number of carbon atoms and the degree of saturation of the fatty acid residue. A considerable anti-foaming effect can be attained in the case of synthetic anionic, amphoteric or non-ionic surfaceactive compounds by inclusion therein of soaps from fatty acid mixtures which contain at least 50 percent of fatty acids with 16 to 30 carbon atoms and at least 3, preferably more than 5 percent, of fatty acids with or more carbon atoms. The saturated fatty acids containing at least 16 carbon atoms preferably constituting at least 50 percent f the total soap fraction. This soap fraction in the co bination of surface-active compounds can be abolished, or replaced by synthetic detergent substances, provided the washing agent contains other foam-inhibiting substances, for example, those further defined under the said foam inhibitors.

When the heavy-duty washing agents according to the invention contain, in addition to the combinations of surface-active compounds, neutral to alkaline reacting builders, the amount of these usually lies in the region of 0.5 to 7 times, especially l to 5 times, the amount of the combination of surface-active compounds. Preferably alkalis are present in the builders in such amount that a l percent solution of the finished washing agent has a pH value in the region of 8 to 12, preferably 9 to l I.

In practice, the composition of particularly valuable heavy-duty washing agents generally lies within the range of the following fomulation:

5 to 80 percent, preferably 12 to 40 percent, by

weight of combinations of surface-active compounds, consisting of g 0 to 80 percent, preferably to 65 percent, by weight of synthetic surface-active compounds of the sulfonate and/or sulfate type,

0 to 80 percent, preferably 5 to 40 percent, by weight of non-ionic surface-active compounds,

0 to 80 percent, preferably 10 to 50 percent, by

weight of soap,

10 to 80 percent, preferably 25 to 65 percent, by weight of the branched-chain carboxylic acids,"

0 to 6 percent, preferably 0.5 to 3 percent, by weight of foam stabilizer,

0 to 8 percent, preferably 0.5 to 5 percent, by weight of foam inhibitor, preferably not a surface-active compound,

20 to 95 percent, preferably 60 to percent, by weight of builders, at least a part of this having an alkaline reaction and the quantity of alkaline and neutral reacting builders preferably constituting 0.5 to 7 times and especially one to five times, the amount of the total detergent substances,

3 to 30 percent by weight of other washing agent constituents, such as, for example, bleaching components and water.

The anionic, amphoteric or non-ionic surface-active compounds present in the combinations of surfaceactive compounds or the washing agents containing them, according to the invention, contain in the molecule at least one hydrophobic radical having eight to 30 carbon atoms, and an anionic or non-ionic watersolubilizing group. The hydrophobic radical may be of aliphatic or alicyclic, saturated or unsaturated nature and be combined with the water-solubilizing group directly or through intennediate members. Suitable intermediate members are, for example, benzene rings, carboxylic acid ester or carboxylic acid amide groups, and ethylene glycol or propylene glycol residues.

The hydrophobic radical is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical with 10 to l8 carbon atoms, but deviations from this preferred range of number of carbon atoms are possible, according to the nature of the surface-active compound in question.

Soaps, which are derived from natural or synthetic fatty acids, possibly from resin or naphthenic acids, are utilizable as the anionic detergent substances, especially when these acids have iodine values of not more than 30 and preferably less than 10.

Among the synthetic anionic surface-active compounds, the sulfonates and sulfates possess particular practical importance.

The sulfonates includes, for example, the alkylarylsulfonates, especially the alkylbenzene-sulfonates, which among others, are obtained from preferably straight chain, aliphatic hydrocarbons having nine to 15, preferably 10 to 14, carbon atoms, by chlorination and condensation with benzene or from corresponding olefins with terminal or non-terminal double bonds by condensation with benzene, and sulfonation of the alkylbenzenes obtained. Furthermore, aliphatic sulfonates are of interest such as are obtainable, for example, from preferably saturated hydrocarbons containing eight to 18 and preferably 10 to l6, carbon atoms in the molecule by sulfochlorination with sulfur dioxide and chlorine or sulfoxidation with sulfur dioxide and oxygen and conversation of the products thereby obtained into the sulfonates. Mixtures of alkene sulfonates, hydroxyalkene sulfonates and hydroxyalkane sulfonates are also useful as aliphatic sulfonates, such as are obtained, for example, from C; to C olefins with terminal or non-terminal double bonds by sulfonation with sulfur dioxide, and acid or alkaline hydrolysis of the sulfonation products. In the aliphatic sulfonates thus prepared, the sulfonate group is frequently attached to a secondary carbon atom. Hoever, sulfonates with a primary, i.e., terminal, sulfonate group can also be prepared by reacting terrninal olefins with a bisulfite.

The sulfonates to be used according to the invention also include esters of a-sulfo-fatty acids with monoor polyhydric alcohols containing one to four and preferably one to two, carbon atoms.

Surface-active compounds of the sulfate type include fatty alcohol sulfates, especially those derived from coconut fatty alcohols, tallow fatty alcohols or from oleyl alcohol. Sulfonation products of the sulfate type utilizable according to the invention can also be prepared from C to C oleflns with terminal or non-terminal double bonds. In addition, belonging to this group of surface-active compounds are sulfated fatty acid alkylolamides, sulfated monoglycerides and sulfated products of ethoxylated and/or propoxylated compounds such as fatty alcohols, alkylphenols with eight to carbon atoms in the alkyl residue. fatty acid amides, fatty acid alkylolamides and so forth, where 0.5 to 20, preferably 1 to 8, and advantageously 2 to 4 mol of ethylene and/or propylene oxide are added to one mol of said compounds to be ethoxylated and/or propoxylated.

Further useful sulfonates are the fatty acid esters of hydroxyethanesulfonic acid and dihydroxypropanesulfonic acid, and the fatty acid amides of aminoethanesulfonic acid. The washing agents according to the invention may also contain surface-active synthetic carboxylates, for example, the fatty acid esters or fatty alcohol ethers of hydroxycarboxylic acids as well as the fatty acid amides of aminocarboxylic acids, for example, of glycocoll or sarcosine.

Products which owe their solubility in water to the presence of polyether chains, amineoxide, sulfoxide or phosphineoxide groups, alkylolamide groups, and very generally to a number of hydroxyl groups, belong to the non-ionic surface-active compounds, denoted here as Non-ionics" for the sake of simplicity.

The products obtainable by addition of ethylene oxide and/or glycide to fatty alcohols, alkylphenols, fatty acids, fatty amines, fatty acid amides and sulfonic acid amides are of special practical interest. These Non-ionics may contain, per molecule, 4 to 100, preferably 6 to 40 and especially 8 to 20, ether residues above all ethylene glycol ether residues. Moreover, propylene or butylene glycol ether residues may be present either in these polyglycol ether residues or at their ends.

in addition, the Non-ionics include the waterinsoluble polypropylene glycols made water-soluble by addition of ethylene oxide and known by the tradename of Pluronics, Tetronics or Ucon Fluid." Also addition products of propylene oxide to alkylenediamines or lower aliphatic alcohols containing one to eight and preferably three to six, carbon atoms are included as Non-ionics.

Further useful Non-ionics are fatty acid or sulfonic acid alkylolamides, which are derived, for example, from monoor dialkylolamines, dihydroxypropylamine or other polyhydroxyalkylamines, for example, the glycamines. They can be replaced by amides of higher primary or secondary alkylamines and polyhydroxycarboxylic acids.

From the group of amineoxides, the Non-ionics derived from higher tertiary amines having a hydrophobic alkyl residue and two shorter alkyl and/or alkylol residues containing up to 4 carbon atoms each are of particular interest.

Amphoteric surface-active compounds contain in the molecule both acid and basic hydrophilic groups. To the acid groups belong carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, sulfuric acid half ester, phosphonic acid and phosphoric acid partial ester groups. The basic groups may be primary. secondary, tertiary and quaternary ammonium groups.

Owing to their good compatibility with other surfaceactive compounds, carboxy, sulfate and sulfonate betaines have special practical interest. Suitable sulfobetaines are obtained, for example, by reacting tertiary amines containing at least one hydrophobic alkyl residue with sultones, for example propaneor butanesultone. Corresponding carboxybetaines are obtained by reacting the said tertiary amines with chloroacetic acid, its salts or with chloroacetic acid esters and fission of the ester linkage.

The foaming capacity of the washing agents accord ing to the invention may be increased or reduced by suitable combinations of different surface-active compounds.

Suitable foam stabilizers in the case of surface-active compounds of the sulfonate or sulfate type, are chiefly surface-active carboxyor sulfo-betaines and also the above-mentioned non-ionics of the alkylolamide type. Moreover, fatty alcohols or higher terminal diols are utilizable for this purpose.

Products with a reduced foaming capacity are chiefly intended for use in washing and dish-washing machines, in which in some cases a limited inhibition of foam is sufficient, while in other cases a stronger antifoaming effect may be desired. Products which still foam in the average range of temperature up to about C, but develop less and less foam as higher temperatures (l 00C are reached, are of particular practical importance.

A reduced foaming power is often obtained with combinations of different types of surface-active compound, especially with combinations of synthetic anionic surface-active compounds, above all of (1) sulfates and/or sulfonates or of (2) no -ionics on the one hand and (3) soaps on the other ha d. With combinations of components (I) and (2) or (l), (2) and (3'), the foaming behavior can be influenced by the respective soap used. in the case of soaps from preferably saturated fatty acids with 12 to 18 carbon atoms, the inhibition of foam is small, while a stronger anti-foaming effect is attained, especially in the higher temperature range, by soaps from saturated fatty acid mixtures with 20 to 26, preferably 20 to 22 carbon atoms, the amount of which may constitute 5 to 10 percent by weight of the total soap fraction present in the surface-active combination.

Among others, the addition products of propylene oxide to the above-described non-ionic polyethylene glycol ethers are marked by a small foaming capacity. By'varying the number of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol residues present in the molecule, products with a large variety of turbidity points can be obtained. These Non-ionics act on other non-ionics as foam inhibitors at temperatures above their turbidity point. They can, therefore, be used in the combinations of surface-active compounds according to the invention together with other Non-ionics, and also in combination with other surface-active compounds, as for example, as the non-ionic constituent in the already mentioned combinations with sulfates and/or sulfonates, soaps and Non-ionics.

The foaming capacity of the surface-active compounds, however, can also be reduced by additions of known, non-surface-active foam inhibitors. These include possibly chlorine-containing N-alkylated aminotriazines, which are obtained by reacting l mol of cyanuric acid chloride with 2 to 3 mol of a monoand/0r di-alkylamine with six to 20, preferably eight to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl residue. Aminotriazineor melamine-derivatives, which contain polypropylene glycol or polybutylene glycol chains, while 10 to 100 of such glycol residues may be contained in the molecule. have a similar action. Such compounds are obtained, for example, by addition of corresponding amounts of propylene and/or butylene oxide to aminotriazines, especially to melamine. Products preferably used are obtained, for example, by reacting 1 mol of melamine with at least 20 mol of propylene oxide or at least l mol of butylene oxide. Products have been found to be specially active which are obtained by addition of to l0 mol of propylene oxide to 1 mol of melamine and further addition of to 50 mol of butylene oxide to this propylene oxide derivative.

The trito hexaalkylmelamines or dito tetra-alkyldiaminochlorotriazines so obtained have a remarkably broad active spectrum independent of the nature of the surface-active compound in question.

Other non-surface-active, water-insoluble, organic compounds, such as paraffms or haloparaffins with melting points below 100C, aliphatic C to C ketones and aliphatic carboxylic acids, which contain at least l8 carbon atoms in the acid or in the alcohol residue, possibly also in both of these two residues (for example triglycerides or fatty acid-fatty alcohol esters), can also be used as foam inhibitors, especially in combination with anionic synthetic surface-active compounds and soaps. The non-surface-iictive foam inhibitors are often only fully active at temperatures at which they are present in the liquid state, so that the foaming behavior of the products can be controlled by choice of suitable foam inhibitors in a similar way to the choice of soaps from fatty acids of suitable chain lengths.

When foam stabilizers are combined with foam inhibitors dependent upon temperature, readily foaming products are obtained at lower temperatures while progressively more weakly foaming products are obtained as the temperature approaches the boiling temperature.

Particularly weakly foaming non-ionics, which may be used both alone and in combination with anionic, amphoteric and non-ionic surface-active compounds and reduce the foaming power of more strongly foaming, especially non-ionic, surface-active compounds, are addition products of propylene oxide to the abovedescribed surface-active polyethylene glycol ethers.

The combinations of surface-active compounds according to the invention may be put on the market as such, in order to combine them with washing alkalis, complex-forming compounds or other customary constituents of washing liquors, as is done, for example, in industrial laundries. The combinations of surfaceactive compounds, however, can also be processed together with these customary washing agent additives to a finished washing agent or washing agent adjuvant.

Complete washing compositions usually also contain a bleaching component. The bleaching component inclusive of stabilizers and/or activators present, may constitute 2 to 35 percent, preferably 7 to 30 percent by weight of the total washing composition.

The complete washing compositions contain builders and inorganic salts as well as inorganic and organic complex-forming compounds.

Salts which are weakly acid, neutral or alkaline reacting are utilizable in the compositions of the invention, for example, the alkali metal bicarbonates, carbonates, silicates, orthophosphates, sulfates and the alkali metal salts of organic. non-surface-active sulfonic acids, carboxylic acids and sulfocarboxylic acids containing one to eight carbon atoms. To the latter belong, for example, water soluble salts of benzene-, toleueneor xylene-sulfonic acids, water-soluble salts of sulfoacetic acid, sulfobenzoic acid or salts of sulfodicarboxylic acids and the salts of acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid and tartaric acid.

Further, the water-soluble salts of higher molecular weight polycarboxylic acids are useful as builders, especially polymerizates of maleic acid, itaconic acid, mesaconic acid, fumaric acid, aconitic acid, methylenemalonic acid and citraconic acid. Mixed polymerizates of these acids with one another or with other polymerizable substances, as for example with ethylene, propylene, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, S-butenecarboxylic acid, 3-methyl-3- butane-carboxylic acid and also with vinyl methyl ether, vinyl acetate, isobutylene, acrylamide and styrene, are also useful.

Of the usual washing agent additives, the watersoluble condensed phosphates, especially the pyro-, tripolyor tetrapoly-phosphates have special practical importance. They may be replaced by known organic complex-forming compounds or be combined with them.

The latter include, for example, nitrilotriacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid, polyalkylenepolyamine-N-polyacetic acids and other known organic complex-forming compounds. Combinations of different complex-forming compounds may also be used. Diand polyphosphonic acids of the following constitutions also belong to the other known complex-forming compounds.

wherein R represents alkyl and R represents alkylene radicals with one to eight, preferably one to four, carbon atoms, and X and Y represent hydrogen atoms or alkyl radicals with one to four carbon atoms. Carboxymethylenephosphonic acid (HOOCCH -PO(OH) is also useful as a complex-forming compound according to the invention. All these complex-forming compounds may be present as the free acids, but are preferably present as the alkali metal salts. I

The washing agents according to the invention are preferably used as washing agents for white goods at boiling temperature or in the vicinity of the boiling temperature. They therefore often contain a bleaching component based on active oxygen or active chlorine.

The bleaching agents based on active oxygen are, especially, the inorganic percompounds, for example, perpyrophosphates, perpolyphosphates, percarbonates and perborates. The commercial sodium perborate of the approximate composition NaBO -H O -3H O is of particular practical importance. Partly or completely dehydrated perborates that is up to the approximate composition NaBO 'H O may also be used in its place. Finally, active oxygen containing borates, NaBO 'H O are also useful in which the ratio Na O:B O is less than 05:1 and preferably lies in the region of 0.4 to 0. :1, and in which the ratio H O :Na lies in the region of 0.5 to 4:1. These products are described in German Patent No. 901,287 and in US. Pat. No. 2,491,789. The perborates may be wholly or partly replaced by other inorganic per-compounds, especially peroxyhydrates, such as for example, the peroxyhydrates of ortho-, pyroor poly-phosphates, for example of tripolyphosphates, and alsoof the car b oga tes. H g H N g A h The active chlorine compounds useful as bleaching agents may be inorganic or organic. The inorganic active chlorine compounds include alkali metal hypochlorites, which may be used especially in the form of their mixed salts or addition compounds with orthophosphates or condensed phosphates, as for example, with pyroand polyphosphates, or with alkali metal silicates. If the washing agents and washing agent adjuvants contain monopersulfates and chlorides, active chlorine is formedin aqueous solution.

Suitable organic active chlorine compounds are, in particular, the N-chloro-compounds in which one or two chlorine atoms are linked to a nitrogen atom, the third valency of the nitrogen atom being preferably linked to a negative group, especially a CO- or S0 group. These compounds include dichloroand trichloro-cyanuric acid, chlorinated alkylguanides or alkylbiguanides, chlorinated hydantoin and chlorinated lam The washing agents may also contain stabilizers for the bleaching component, especially for the percompounds. The above-indicated complex-forming compounds often have a stabilizing action. However, in their place or together therewith, different kinds of stabilizers may be present, for example, those which act through their large surface area. These customary water-soluble or water-insoluble stabilizers are utilized in amounts up to 10 percent, preferably from 0.25 percent to 8 percent by weight. H 0 7 7 Suitable water-insoluble stabilizers for percompounds are the different magnesium silicates, mostly obtained by precipitation from aqueous solutions, of composition MgOzSiO, 4:l to 1:4, preferably 2:1 to 1:2 and especially l:l. These magnesium silicates may be replaced by the corresponding silicates of other alkaline earth metals or the corresponding silicates of cadmium or tin. Hydrated oxides of tin are also utilizable as stabilizers. These water-insoluble stabilizers are usually present in amounts from I to 8 percent. preferably 2 to 7 percent of the weight of the total preparation.

Suitable water-soluble stabilizers, which may be present together with water-insoluble stabilizers, are the above referred-to organic complex-forming compounds, the amount of which may constitute 0.25 to 5 percent, preferably 0.5 to 2.5 percent of the weight of the total preparation, depending on the strength of the complex formed.

The action of the bleaching components and above all of the percompounds can be increased by known activators, such as small quantities of heavy metal ions, especially copper ions, which may preferably be present as mixed silicates of magnesium.

Furthermore, dirt carriers or soil suspension agents may be contained in the washing agents according to the invention, which keep the dirt, detached from the fiber, suspended in the washing bath and thus prevent graying. For this purpose water-soluble colloids of mostly organic nature are suitable, as for example, the water-soluble salts of polymeric carboxylic acids, glue, gelatine, salts of ethercarboxylic acids or ethersulfonic acids or starch or cellulose or salts of acid sulfuric acid esters of cellulose or starch. Water-soluble polyamides containing acid groups are also suitable for this purpose. Further, starch and starch p oducts other than I oxidoreductases, catalases, peroxidases, ureases, isomerases, lyases, transferases, desmolases or nucleases. The enzymatic substances obtained from strains of bacteria or fungi, such as Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces griseus, are of special interest. Further useful enzymes are pepsin, pancreatin, trypsin, papain and diastase. The enzyme preparations obtained from Bacillus subtilis, however, have the advantage, as compared with the last-named enzymes, in that they are relatively stable with respect to alkali, percompounds and anionic detergents, and even at temperatures between 45 and C are still not appreciable inactivated. Their relatively great stability towards oxidizing agents possibly depends on their small content of free sulfhydryl groups.

The enzymes are marketed by the producers usually with addition of blending agents. Suitable blending agents are sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, alkali metal ortho-, pyroor polyphosphates, especially tripolyphosphates. The still moist enzyme preparations are frequently incorporated with calcined salts, which then, in some cases with agglomeration of the particles present to larger particles, bind the water present together with the enzymatic substance as water of crystallization.

1f the enzymatic substances are present as dry products, liquid or paste-like non-ionic organic compounds, as for example, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, butylene glycol or polybutylene glycols, and also the known liquid to paste-like surface-active compounds, which are obtained for example, by adding ethylene oxide and possibly propylene oxide to the starting materials known for the preparation of such products, can also be used for binding the enzymatic active substance to the respective preparation to be made. For this purpose, a mixture of the components of the combination of surface-active compounds or of the washing agent and the enzymatic substance, for example, is sprayed with these non-ionic products, or the enzymatic substance is dispersed in the said non-ionic substances and this dispersion is united with the other constituents of the product. If the other constituents of the products are solids, the dispersion of the enzymatic substances in the non-ionic component can be sprayed on the other solid constituents.

The components of the washing compositions according to the invention, especially the builders, are usually selected so that the preparations have a neutral to distinctly alkaline reaction, so that the pH value of a 1 percent solution of the preparation usually lies in the region of 7 to 12. Fine washing compositions usually have a neutral to weakly alkaline reaction (pH value 7-9.5), while soaking, prewashing and boiling washing compositions are made more strongly alkaline (pH value 95-13, preferably l-l2.5).

- The brighteners hich may be used are mostly, if not exclusively, derivatives of diaminostilbenesulfonic acid, diarlypyrazolines and aminocoumarins.

Examples of brighteners from the class of diaminostilbenesulfonic acid derivatives are compounds according to the formula.

In the formula R, and R signify halogen atoms or alkoxy groups, amino groups or residues of aliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic, primary or secondary amines, or residues of aminosulfonic acids, while aliphatic residues present in the above groups preferably contain one to four and especially two to four carbon atoms, and in the heterocyclic ring systems, fiveor sixmembered rings are usually concerned. Aniline, anthranilic acid or anilinesulfonic acid residues are preferred as the aromatic amines. Brighteners derived from diaminostilbenesulfonic acid are mostly used as cotton brighteners. The following products derived from the above formula in which R represents the residue -NHC.H and R, may represent the following residues, are at present on the market:

-NHC,,H,SO H, OCH Some of these brighteners are to be regarded as transitional types to the cotton brighteners as regards their afiinity for the fiber, for example the brightener in which R; equals NHC,,H,,. The compound 4,4-bis- (4-phenyl-vicinal-triazolyl-Z-l-stilbenedisulfonic acid- 2,2 also belongs to the cotton brighteners of the diaminostilbenesulfonic acid type.

Diarylpyrazolines of formulas Ill and 1V belong to the polyamide brighteners, of which again a few have a certain affinity for cotton fibers:

In formula 111, R and R, represent hydrogen atoms, or alkyl or aryl residues possibly substituted by carboxyl, carbonamide or ester groups.

R, and R,, represent hydrogen or short-chain alkyl residues.

Ar, and Ar represent aryl residues such as phenyl, diphenyl or naphthyl, which may carry further substituents such as hydroxy, alkoxy, hydroxyalkyl, amino, alkylamino, acylamino, carboxyl, carboxylic acid ester, sulfonic acid, sulfonamide and sulfone groups or halogen atoms.

Brighteners of this type found at present on the market are derived from the formula IV, and the residue R may represent the groups Cl, SO NH SO- CH=CH and COOCH -CH OCH while the residue R, in all cases represents a chlorine atom. 9-Cyano-anthracene is also on the market as a polyamide brightener.

In addition, aliphatic or aromatic substituted amino coumarins belong to the polyamide brighteners, for example 4-methyl-7-dimethylaminoor 4-methyl-7- dimethylamino-coumarin. Further useful polyamide brighteners are the compounds l-(benzimidazolyl-2)- 2-(N-hydroxyethyl-benzimidazolyl-2')-ethylene and l-N-ethyl-3-phenyl-7-diethylamino-carbostyril. Suitable brighteners for polyester and polyamide fibers are the compounds 2,5-di-(benzoxazolyl-2')-thiophene and 1,2-di-(5 methyl-benzoxazolyl-Z')-ethylene.

The following examples are illustrative of the practice of the invention. However, they are not to be deemed limitative in any manner.

EXAMPLES The following examples describe the compositions of some of the combinations of surface-active compounds according to the invention or a few washing agents with a content of such surface-active combinations. ln them:

ABS is the alkali metal salt of an alkylbenzenesulfonic acid with 10 to l5, preferably ll to I13, carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, obtained by condensing straight chain olefins with benzene and sulfonating the alkylbenzene so obtained.

Olefmsulfonate is an alkali metal sulfonate obtained from straight chain olefins (12 to l6 carbon atoms) with terminal or non-terminal double bonds by sulfonation with 80;, and hydrolysis of the sulfonation product with an alkali liquor. The said sulfonate consists substantially of alkene sulfonate and hydroxyalkane sulfonate, but also contains small quantities of alkane disulfonates. Each olefmsulfonate-containing preparation was prepared using two different types of olefinsulfonate; one was from a mixture of straightchain terminal olefins, and the other was prepared from a mixture of non-terminal olefins.

Alkane sulfonate is an alkali metal sulfonate obtained from paraffins with 12 to 16 carbon atoms by the sulfoxidation method.

Fatty acid ester sulfonate is an alkali metal sulfonate obtained from the methyl ester of a hardened tallow fatty acid by sulfonating with Oleyl alcohol ether sulfate or Tallow alcohol ether sulfate or Coconut alcohol ether sulfate" are the sulfated products of addition of 2 mols of ethylene oxide (E0) to 1 mol of oleyl alcoholor of 3 mols of ethsponding dialkylamine (prepared from coconut fatty acid) by reacting with methyl acrylate and saponifying the reaction product.

CMC" is the alkali metal salt of carboxymethylcellulose.

EDTA" is the alkali metal salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

NTA is the alkali metal salt of nitrilotriacetic acid.

Waterglass is a silicate of the composition Na O-3-' 3SiO Perborate is a product of the approximate composition NaB 'H O- '3H O containing about percent of active oxygen.

Cotton Brightener" is the commercial product Blankophor BBl-l/Sll."

Polyamide Brightener" is the commercial product Purwil P."

Polyester Brightener l is the commercial product Uvitex SOF."

Polyester Brightener ll is the commercial product Calcofluor white ALF."

The composition of the fatty acid mixtures from which the various soaps contained in the combinations of surface-active compounds or washing agents were produced, may be taken from the following Table I:

TABLE I Composition of the Fatty Acid Mixtures Corresponding to the Soaps No. of Carbon Wt.% of Fatty Acid Component in the Soap Atoms in the Fatty Acid 818 I018 l022 i218 lZ22a l222b l22 2u 1622 I822 c, 2 J c 2 l l C if: 6 l9 l8 l6 l4 C 10 5 8 l2 8 8 6 C M 28 I7 20 l7 6 l3 8 C 60 33 48 32 16 6O 32 9 C, 4 4 7 3 I2 14 c,, l8 21 47 4 4s 77 lodine Value 10 7.5 5 I5 12 s 76 4 3 of the Fatty Acid Mixture ylene oxide to 1 mol of tallow fatty alcohol or of 2.5 mols of ethylene oxide to 1 mol of coconut fatty alcohol.

Tallow alcohol sulfate or Coconut alcohol sulfate" are the alkali metal salts of the sulfated fatty alcohols prepared by reduction of tallow fatty acid or coconut fatty acid.

Oleyl alcohol 5 E0" or Oleyl alcohol 10 E0 are the products of addition of five or ten mols of ethylene oxide to one mol of a commercial oleyl alcohol.

Coconut alcohol 20 E0 is the product of addition of 20 mols of ethylene oxide to 1 mol of a fatty alcohol prepared from coconut fatty acid.

Coconut alcohol 9 EO 12 PO" is the product of addition of 9 mols of ethylene oxide to 1 mol of a fatty alcohol prepared from coconut fatty acid, reacted with l2 mols of propylene oxide.

Fatty acid monoethanolamide E0" is the product of addition of 8 mols of ethylene oxide to 1 mol of a monoethanolamide of coconut fatty acid.

Dioctylacetate" is the alkali metal salt of dioctylacetic acid (a-n-octyl-capric acid).

Dicoconut alkylaminopropionate is the carboxylic acid salt of an alkali metal obtained from the corre- Unless specified to the contrary, the anionic surfaceactive compounds and the other salts are present as the sodium salts. All percentages given are by weight.

In the examples, the foam inhibitor is associated with the combination of surface-active compounds. This is incorrect in so far as the special foam inhibitors mentioned in the description are not regarded as surfaceactive compounds. They are nevertheless listed together with the combinations of surface-active compounds because they do of course influence the foaming capacity of the surface-active compounds. In the preparation of the products, the foam inhibitor used in each case, dissolved in a suitable organic solvent or in the molten state, was sprayed by means of a jet nozzle on the agitated pulverulent combination of surfaceactive compounds or on the agitated pulverulent washing agent. lf combinations of surface-active compounds which contain synthetic sulfates or sulfonates together with soap are concerned, paraffin or paraffin oil, for example, are suitable foam inhibitors. ln Examples l-8. an N,N'. N"-trialkylmelamine was used as foam inhibitor. This foam inhibitor could be replaced, with a similar result, by a bis-(alkylamino)-monochlorotriazine or by a mixture of l0 to percent of the melamine derivative and 90 to 10 percent of the chlorotriazine derivative. In all these triazine derivatives, the alkyl residues Example 4 Continued 33'; Di t lac l! were present as mixtures of homologs with eight to 18 M y c d c carbon atoms. Their foam inhibiting action com- Example 5 1 1 menced at temperatures of about 50 C and was pres 5 4m Cmmm My alcohol 20 E0 ent to the full extent after a temperature of 65 C was 25% Coconut rim, alcohol 9 E0 l2 PO excecdecL 27% Dioctylacetate ln the preparations according to Examples 9 to 2l, a gxafimvpkp mixture of about 45 percent of a di-(alkylamino)- monochlorotriazine and about 55 percent of an MN, 10 :21: 8 alcohol M 0 N-trialkylmelamine was used as foam inhibitor. In all 3m Dkmyhceme these triazine derivatives the alkyl residues were pres- Fvflm "thihiwr ent as a mixture of homologs with eight to l8 carbon Bump]; 7 7 atoms. If the combinations of surface-active compounds described in the examples contain synthetic sul- I 0 E0 fates and/or sulfonates together with soap, the said g aminotriazine derivatives can be replaced by the other yl mm 3'71 Foam inhibitor above-mention foam inhibitors which are non-surfaceactive compounds. Example 8 If the preparations herein described the enzyme- 32% Olefin Home free and also the enzyme-containing preparations 16% Oleyl alcohol l0 E0 are prepared in a pourable state he, as powder, grang2; $32 533 il ules, agglomerates), it is advisable to mix the non- 4% pmmlinhihiwr surface-active foam inhibitors with the pourable preparations or parts thereof. This can also be carried out by EZQ BP 9 spraying the foam inhibitor present in the liquid state 37% ABS l7; Oleyl alcohol 10 E0 on ag.lt.ated pourable produFt or a thereof'.The 43% Branched-chain tertiary carhoxylic acid foam inhibitors may then be mixed as discrete particles mm: when" with the other constituents of the product, while they Foam inhibitor are also combined ith the particles of the preparation Exampla 10 and can wholly or rtly cover these. If the said prepa- M rations are prepared as pastes, it is then advisable to in- Q33 alcohol mime corporated the foam inhibitors as solid powder or gran- Oleyl mom E0 ules in the pastes without their granular size being 35 :22 g t L 5 h V h Id thereby substantially reduced. t: in iary car oxy it do The following Examples l to 21 describe different combinations of surface-active compounds with a coni Exam 11* tent of textile softeners according to the invention. ABS

l3'1 Fatty acid monocthanolamide 8 EO Example la 2o; Soap [222 ll 32'; Branched-chain tertiary carhoxylic acid textile softener 42'; ABS 5'; F h l4; Oleyl alcohol H) E0 6'1 Soap 1822 m 38'; Dioctylacetate s 45 35% Fatty acid ester sulfonatc I464 Coconut alcohol sulfate l6; Oleyl alcohol H) EO EXAMPLE 1 d 33; Branchcd-chain tertiary carboxylic acid textile softener If in the combination of a surface-active compounds according to Example la, the ABS is replaced (b) to 25 Example 13 percent of its weight by Olefin sulfonate, (c) com- 34% m pletely by \lkane sulfonate, a similarly utilizable prod- Comm alcohol sulfate act is obtained. 3; Tallow alcohol sulfate l8; Oleyl alcohol 10 E0 Example 2 34; Branched-chain tertiary carboxylic acid textile softener 31 Foam inhibitor 37 1 ABS l7; Oleyl fllCOhOl l0 E0 Example 46% Dioctylacctate 34; ABS N 9; Coconut alcohol sulfate It) Oleyl alcohol it) E0 44% ABS 9'"! Soap i218 l4! Oleyl alcohol ll E0 34'! Branched-chain tertiary carhoxylic acid 4'1 Soup 1622 textile softener .llt'l Dioctylaeetate 3'1 Foam inhibitor Example 4 Example I5 34% ABS 2m ABS lJ'l Fatty acid cthanoliimide ll [50 7% Coconut alcohol sulfate 20% Soap I22 u Tallow alcohol sulfate Example 15 Continued market mostly in admixture with sodium sulfate or with 8% other customary washing composition additives, and 22% 8 55133? at the combinations of surfaceactive compounds may 35% Branched-chain tertiary carboxylic acid constitute 90 to 50 percent by weight and the other 5 constituents to 50 percent by weight.

Example 16 In all the Examples the data for the surfaceactive 18% F If t compounds relate to the pure active substance; in the atty act ester su mm c 1% Coconut alcohol Sum case of the textile softeners, small amounts of by- 9 Oleyl alcohol 5 E0 products from the preparation may also be present. i3; zjg lf g tertiary carboxylic acid 10 In the following Examples the sign in the lines textile softener Na SO means that small amounts of sodium sulfate Example 17 which have been introduced by the anionic surfaceactive compounds used are present as impurity. The 40% Aiitttrie sulfonate residue consists substantially of water. and also ingf i fiig fi f z g cludes dyes and perfumes. When the mount of Na SQ, 35% ara reiteti-eirttiir tertiary carboxylic acid is indicated with the residue also includes the sodium sulfate present.

The following examples describe a few washing llR S W- agents which contain combinations of builders and adzoq Olefin Home 2 ditives in addition to the combinations of surface-active 10% Tallow alcohol sulfate compounds according to Examples 1 to 21. 14% Oleyl alcohol 10 E0 2?; Soup i222 Example 22 29; Branched-chain tertiary carboxylic acid textile softener 19% Combinations of surface active compounds Example 19 according to Examples 1 to 12 A 45% Ntt ,P ,0,., 10% Coconut alcohol sulfate N32Q-3'3SIO2 20% Oleyl alcohol cther Sulfate g r 24% Oleyl alcohol 5 E0 g E t 23% Soap 1222 er ora e 23 Branched-chain tertiary carboxylic acid Remainder: Brightener. perfume, sodium sulfat textile softener and water.

Exanp sllLM. 522%21939.--

5% Coconut l h l lf 20.8% Combination of surface-active compounds accord- 5'1 Tallow alcohol sulfate mg to Examples 1 to 12 25; Tallow alcohol ether sulfate 32.8% Na P O 14% Oleyl alcohol 5 E0 2.9554 Na,(l 3.3 SiO 14; Soap 1015 2.5% MgSiO 34'; Branched-chain tertiary carboxylic acid l -1;; EMS

textile softener er )rate 3% Foam inhibitor Rflglillndfil! Brightcner. perfume. sodium sulfate an W318i. Example 21 Examp le 2 l 4i; ABS

9'7: Coconut alcohol sulfate 17.5% Combination of surface-active compounds [7; Coconut alcohol ether sulfate according to Examples 1 to 12 31% Branched-chain tertiary carboxylic acid 18.0% NTA textile softener 6.6% Hydroxyethanediphosphonate 2% Foam inhibitor 12.8 zo ing S O t a0. i 1.6% Mg SiO, 2 1.3% CMC The dioctylacetate used in Examples l to 8 and the 21.0% Perhorate branched-chain tertiary carboxylic acid used in Exam- 5:8 3:11?" Bflshlencr- P sodium sulfate ples 9 to 21 are interchangeable and each can also be so replaced with similar results by the nitrogen-containing E XrJ l Z 5 branched-Ch? Farboxyhc aclds' 19.5% Combination of surface-active compounds accord- The combinations of surface-active compounds deing (0 Examples 1 m 12 scribed in the Examples 9 to 21 contain as textile softa clhanedi hos home eners, salts of carboxylic acid mixtures with the carbon m g f p P number indicated below, which were prepared by addi- 5g: N r- 33 SK tion of carbon and water to mixtures of substantially 1:2, z a aliphatic olefins. ism Perburate I Textile softener C salt of a C carboxylic acid 5:5 :11?" s Pctfwmcr dium Sulfate Textile softener C salt of a C carboxylic acid Ex mple 26 w- Textlle Softener C1641: San of a CW2 carboxyhc acld 27.5% Combination of surface-active compounds according to Examples l to 12 The Examples 1 to 21 describe combinations of suru igw hos home face-active compounds which are providedas special 3 1 1 sioa p P products preferably for the laundry trade or the textile 880, industry. The combinations of surface-active com- Remainder: Brigmener perfume Sodium sum: pounds described in Examples 1 to 21 come on the ttrtd water.

flxample 33 -Contin u ed 23.8% Combination of surface-active compounds according to Examples l l2 I.8% Na,PO. 6.5% Na.P,O-, 38.0% Na,,P,O,,.

5.5% Na.,(). 3.3 SiO, 2.0% MgSiQ l.2% CMC l7.0% Perhorate Remainder: Brightener. perfume. sodium sulfate and water. 10

Example 28 2l.5% Combination of surface-active compounds accord- 5 ing to Examples 1-12. 2.3% Na Pm 20.2% NaJ' O, 23.8% Na,P,,O,.,

l.3% EDTA 5.5% Na,0. 3.3 SiO,

MgSiO 20 l.2% CMC l7.0% Perborate Remainder: Brightener. perfume. sodium sulfate and water.

EEEL PlL L.

l8.2% Composition of Example 13 Na,$O 30.0% Na,P -,0,0

02% EDTA 6.0% Na,0. 3.3 SiO- 2.5% MgSiO 2.0% CMC 0.3% Brightener Remainder: Perfume. sodium sulfate and water \Egtample 30 23.2% Composition of Example 14 Na,SO. 35.0% NaJ O 0.3% EDTA 4.5% Na,O 3.3 SiO,

l .8% CMC 0.8% Brightencr 27.0% Perboratc Remainder: Perfume. sodium sulfate and water g Example 31 A l9.9% Composition of Example 15 Na,SO. :xm mono... l5.0% NTA 0.22% hydro {ethane diphosphonate 5.0% Na,0. .3 SiO, 2.0% MgSiO, 1.3% CMC 0.8% Bri htener 24.0% Per orate Remainder: Perfume. sodium sulfate and water Example 32 H 23.2% Composition of Example 16 Na,SO. 8.0% Na,CO, 24.0% Na,P,0...

5.0% NTA 0.25% EDTA 4.0% Na,O. 3.3 SiO, l.9% CMC 0.4% Brightener 25.0% Perhorate Remainder: Perfume. sodium sulfate and water .Ewmls .33.

l9.5% Composition of Example l7 Na,SO, 38.0% Na.P,O,.,

0.5a EDTA ,5 3.8% Na,O. 33 SK), 1.2% CMC 0.9% Bri htener 23.5% Per orate Remainder: Perfume. sodium sulfate and water Ela e' 34 26.2% Composition of Example 18 2 I .0% Na P O 8.0% NTA 0.4% EDTA 4.2% Na.,O. 3.3 SiO, 3.0% MgSiQ, 1.4% (MC l.l% Brightener 22.0% Perhoratc Remainder: Perfume and water Example 35 21.5% Composition of Example l9 5.0% Fla- S0 33.0% Na,P .O,..

3.5% Na,0. 3.3 SiO, l 5% CMC 22.0% Perborate Remainder: Perfume and water 4 Example 36 2I.l% Composition of Example 20 l8.0% Nat- S0. 35.0% Na ,P,O l0.()% NTA 3.7% Na,O. 3.3 SiO l.7% CMC Remainder: Perfume and Water Exeaw j 30.0% Composition of Example 2] l0.0% Na SO. 4am Na.P .0...

4.5% Na,0. 3.3 SiO l.7% CMC Remainder: Perfume and water & E xample 38 l 1.3% Combination of surface-active compounds according to Examples 1-20 22.0% Na SO 46.0% Na ..P;.O...

0.5% EDTA 4.0% Na,0. 3.3 Si0 L671 CMC 0.4% Brightener Remainder: Perfume and water Brighteners for cotton, polyamides or polyesters or combinations thereof are used, depending upon the purpose for which the washing composition is to be used.

The washing compositions described in Examples 22 to 38 were prepared with addition of enzymes. The enzymes were commerical products which had been adjusted by the manufacturer to the following activities by addition of 7 to 15 percent by weight of sodium sulfate:

A protease with l25,000 LVE/g An amylase with 75,000 SKBE/g A lipase with 10,000 lE/g In the following list the enzyme activity, referred to l g of the finished washing composition, is given in addition to the quantity of enzyme:

1 A washing composition according to one of the Examples 22 to 38 contains 0.3 to L5 percent by weight of protease (3754875 LVE/g) ll. A washing composition according to one of the Examples 22 to 38 contains l.2 percent by weight of lipase (I20 lE/g) III. A washing composition according to one of the Examples 22 to 38 contains 0.4 percent by weight of protease (500 LVE/g) 1.0 percent by weight of amylase (750 SKBE/g) IV. A washing composition according to one of the Examples 22 to 38 contains 2.0 percent by weight of amylase (1500 SKBE/g) V. A washing composition according to one of the Examples 22 to 38 contains 0.2 percent by weight of protease (250 LVE/g) 0.5 percent by weight of amylase (375 SKBE/g) 0.5 percent by weight of lipase (50 lE/g) VI. A washing composition according to one of the Examples 22 to 38 contains 1.0 percent by weight of protease (L250 LVE/g) 0.3 percent by weight of amylase (225 SKBE/g) 0.4 percent by weight of lipase (40 lE/g) The textiles washed with the washing compositions according to the invention, especially those of cotton or linen, show a remarkably pleasant and soft handle; cotton towelling is more voluminous than when it is washed without use of the textile softeners according to the invention.

All the combinations of surface-active compounds or washing agents with a content of such surface-active combinations described in the Examples have a low foaming power and are therefore suitable for use in washing machines. However, it may occasionally happen, depending on the local conditions, which cannot be influenced by the washing agent manufacturer, as

for example, the concentration of the washing agent used, hardness of the water, quantity and nature of the dirt in the laundry to be washed and so on, that the combinations of surface-active compounds or the washing agents containing them foam somewhat more than is desirable. In such cases the foaming power of the preparations of the Examples can be reduced still further by addition of larger amounts of foam inhibitor and/or by increasing the content of soups of saturated fatty acids with 18 to 22. preferably 20 to 22, carbon atoms.

Textiles washed with the combinations of surface active compounds according to the invention or with washing agents containing these surface-active combinations. especially those made of cotton or linen. show a remarkably pleasant and soft handle. Cotton terry cloth is more voluminous than when it is washed without the use of the textile softener according to the invention.

EXAMPLES 39 to 50 In the following Table the comparative experiments made with washing agents without a softener are denoted as V, and as an index, the numbers of those examples in which a comparison is allowable are associated with this letter.

It is clearly apparent, however; that the softness attained increases with the chain length of the branched chain carboxylic acids used as textile softeners, at least in the carbon number range of 9 to 21. The desired effect is further improved by simultaneous presence of soaps of higher fatty acids, especially those containing 18 to 22 carbon atoms.

if the textile softener contained in the combinations TABLE II Composition of the Washing Agents Used in the Comparative Experiments and the Results of the Experiments Washing Agent 39 Component remain- Nu,0,, Brightcner.

der

perfume. water Improvement of 454 342 the softness Wt. of Component in Washing Agent According to Example remainder 7 TABLE ll- -Cggtinued Composition of the Washing Agents Used in the Comparative Experiments and the Results of the Experiments Washing composition '1' By wt. of Component in the Component Washing Composition According to Example 45 46 V 7 48 49 50 V Surface-active combination ABS 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0

Oleyl alcohol I0 E0 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8

Soap I222 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5

Textile softener C 7.5 7.5

Textile softener -n, 7.5 7.5

Textile softener C 7.5 75 Basal washing composition:

Na,P,O. 38.0 23.8

MgSiO, 2.0 2.0

CMC L2 1.2

Na,SO brightener.

perfume. water remainder remainder Improvement in the softness 490 369 I" w 8 7! 657 I215 Q IS m Coconut" means here an alkyl residue formed by reduction of the fatty acids derived from coconut fat.

of surface-active compounds in the Examples is replaced by the following compounds CHC O 0N8 io zi IO ZI CH- C O O Na nHn similar results are obtained. Coconut here means an alkyl residue formed by reduction of the fatty acids derived from coconut fat.

The following examples demonstrate the washing preparations containing of surface-active compounds of the invention in combination with enzyme systems.

As enzymes. the following commercial products were used which were adjusted by the manufacturer to the following activities by addition of sodium sulfate in amounts of about 7 percent:

A protease with I20,000 LVE/gm An amylase with 75,000 SKBE/gm A lipase with 10,000 lE/gm In the Examples, in addition to the amount of enzyme, the enzyme activity is also given, based on I gm of washing agent.

EXAMPLE 5 I An all purpose washing agent, which at temperatures of about 45 C has a certain development of foam. but

with increasing temperature shows inhibition of foaming which becomes greater and greater, so that it can be used even at boiling temperatures. has the following composition:

ABS

Tallow alcohol sulfate Coconut alcohol sulfate Oleyl alcohol 10 E0 Foam inhibitor Dioctylacctate CMC EDTA

h fl lll L5; Cotton Brightcner 0.03% Polyamide Brightencr 32.0 i Perhorate 0.8 '1 Protease (I000 LVE/g) .2 it Lipase I20 IE/gl Remainder: Green dyestuff. perfume and water amp cfi urposc washing agent as Examplc 51 ABS Coconut alcohol ether sulfate Tallow alcohol sulfate Coconut alcohol sulfate Soap I222 h Dicoconut alkylaminopropionatc CMC EDTA NTA

s rt in Polyamide Brightener Polyester Brightener ll Pcrboratc EXAMPLE 5 3 Q@min EXAMPLE 58 0.4 Protease (500 LVE/g) 1.0 Amylase (750 SKBE/g) For washing. easy-care textiles, washing agents speci- Rmumde" pc'fume tied for use at temperatures up to 60 C but also safe Exam 1 54 5 from foamin at tem eratures u to 100 C are rep All purpose washing agent as Example 5l f d 4.6 1- Fatty acid ester sulfonate 2.3 Coconut alcohol sulfate 20 Oleyl alcohol 5 EO 6.3 Z7 Soap 1022 8.0 if Dicoconut alkylaminopropionate 5.6 '14- Tallow alcohol ether sulfate 1.9 q CMC 1 1.0 1 Tallow alcohol sulfate 0.25% EDTA 1.0 q Coconut alcohol sulfate 5.0 NTA 3.0 ,4 Clay] alcohol 5 EO 24.0 Z Na p o 3.0 7: Soup l0lll 8.0 X Na,CO 0.5 1 Foam inhibitor 4.0 k Waterglass 7.0 X Dicoconut alkylaminopropionate 0.4 Cotton Brightener l.3 k (MC 0.04% Polyamide Brightener l5 l0.() A NTA 25.0 k Perborate s n m 1.5 '2 Protease I875 LVE/g) n gg t I 1 Z1 Rcmamder. perfume and water 0.5 proseugc /g) Example 55 Remainder: perfume and water All purpose washing ag e nt as Example 51 7.9 7? Alkane l.7 Z Coconut alcohol sulfate 2.7 Z Oleyl alcohol l0 E0 7 0.4 '7: Foam inhibitor 3 Z g g t This washing agent has the same field of application EDTA as the product according to Example 58. 38.0 '71 Na P O 3.8 1 Waterglass (Htlk Cotton Brightener 0.5 K Polyamide Brightener 123 ABS I glf'ghlemr I 5.0 Z Coconut alcohol ether sulfate Polyester Bnghmner H 2.5 7r Coconut alcohol sulfate Perhma'e 90 1 Dicoconut alkylaminopropionute 2.0 k Amylase I500 SKBE/g) 1 7; C Remainder: Blue-green dyestuff. perfume and water. 430 r; p o

4.5 Waterglass E Q PP FQ2 10.0 '7. M 50. All purpose washing agent as Example 5l (),2 Z P t (250 LVE/ 5.5 K Olefin sulfonate 0.5 71 Amylase (375 SKBE/g) 2.5 7r Tallow alcohol sulfate 0.5 1 Lipase (50 lE/g) 3.5 7: Oleyl alcohol 10 E0 emainder: perfume and water 7.2 7: Soap 1022 7.5 1 Dioctylueetate L4 Z CMC 0.4 Z EDTA m NTA EXAMPLE 60 Z m zlgg 40 Prewashmg agent, which can be used m case of need 3.0 a MgSiO also at boiling temperatures without causing excessive 0.35; Cotton Brightener 0.03% Polyamide Brightener foammg 0.7 71 Polyester Brightener II 22.0 Perborate 0.8 7! Protease (l000 LVE/g) Remainder: perfume and water 0 1 m 5 0 7.0 I Oleyl alcohol 10 E0 0.3 71 Foam inhibitor 3.0 Dioctylacetate [.61 CMC 0.5 Z EDTA EXAMPLE 57 46.0 '7, Nu P O 4.0 7i Water lass For use for wash ng colored and easy-care fabrics, Q3 Com"? Bfigmgnc, washing agents specifired for use at temperatures up to 2 852 s yam delfbrtghtener 60 but which also possess a sufficient inhibition of 5: QLQEE M foaming at temperatures up to I00 C are preferred. 0.3 71 Amylase (225 SKBE/g) 0.4 '1 Lipase (40 lE/g) Remainder: perfume and water 9.8 If Olevl alcohol ether sulfate pg 1; .5 room We When textiles, especially cotton textiles, WlllCh are g fy l g 5 E0 soiled with albumen, starch and fat-containing contamgi l; ZSE Z QQ inations, are washed with the combinations of surface- [.5 a CMC' active compounds or with the washing agents containwff tigg ing them according to the invention, the enzymes con- 1 M2504 tained therein effect a more rapid removal of these Psrbmle contaminations, even at relative] low tem eratures,

0 l K Protease (375 LVE/g) especially when they are present as dried spots of blood, pus, gravy and so forth. The textile softeners Remainder: perfume and water contained in the products according to the invention can then act on the textiles at a relatively early state in the washing process. Therefore, a combined action of the enzymes and the textile softeners is attained.

lt is quite possible to market the combinations of surface-active compounds with a content of enzymes, rather than the finished washing agents. The formulations of such enzyme-containing combinations of surface-active compounds follow directly from the above examples by omission of the builders and additives (CMC to perborate, as well as dyestuff and perfume). Of course, it is possible to incorporate builder components in smaller quantities, such as for example, dirt carriers (CMC), complex-forming (EDTA) and brighteners, to be also present in the combinations of surface-active compounds. In the case of Example 29, these combinations of surface-active compounds are present as a paste, taking into consideration the large quantities of non-ionics in the formulation.

The preceding specific embodiments are illustrative of the practice of the invention. It is to be understood, however, that other expedients known to those skilled in the art may be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. Washing agents and washing agent adjuvants in granular or pasty form utilizable in neutral to alkaline textile washing baths which consists essentially of (I) from to 80 percent by weight of a combination of surface-active compounds consisting of (a) from to 90 percent by weight\of said combination of customary surface-active compounds utilizable in neutral to alkaline washing baths consisting of a mixture of (i) at least 50 percent by weight of the mixture of anionic surfaceactive compounds selected from the group consisting of surface-active sulfonates, surface-active sulfates and straight-chain fatty acid soaps. and (ii) non-ionic surface-active compounds, and (b) from 80 to ID percent by weight of said combination of a textile softener selected om. the o p co s in 9 t 5 29."??? 9! compounds of the formula RI COOH wherein R R and R are members selected from the group consisting of alkyl having one to 23 carbon atoms and cycloalkylalkyl having from seven to 23 carbon atoms, with the proviso that the total number of carbon atoms in R R and R is from six to 24 carbon atoms, as produced by addition of carbon monoxide and water to olefins by the Koch process, and (2) water-soluble salts thereof, and (ll) from 20 to 95 percent by weight of a builder selected from the group consisting of neutral to alkaline reacting inorganic and organic builders.

2. The washing agents and washing agent adjuvants of claim I wherein components (a) are present in an amount of from 75 to 35 percent by weight and compo nents (b) are present in an amount of from 25 to 65 percent by weight.

3. The washing agents and washing agent adjuvants of claim I wherein the sum of the carbon atoms in R R and R is between 7 and 19.

compounds 4. The washing agents and washing agent adjuvants of claim 1 wherein at least part of said mixture of anionic surface-active compounds and non-ionic surfaceactive compounds of component (a) is said straightchain fatty acid soap and the fatty acids present in said soap consist of at least 50 percent of saturated fatty acids with from 16 to 30 carbon atoms, wherein foaming of said combination of surface-active compounds in water is reduced at higher temperatures.

5. The washing agents and washing agent adjuvant of claim 4 wherein at least 3 percent of said fatty acids in said soap have from 20 to 30 carbon atoms.

6. The washing agents and washing agent adjuvant of claim 4 wherein at least 5 percent of said fatty acids in said soap have from 20 to 30 carbon atoms.

7. The washing agents and washing agent adjuvant of claim 1 wherein a further content of enzymes is present selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases and mixtures thereof, wherein the enzymatic activity is in the range of 62.5 to 50,000 LVE per gram of the combination of surface-active compounds in the case of proteases, of 25 to 50,000 SKBE per gram of the combination of surface-active compounds in the cases of amylases and of 2.5 to 10,000 [[2 per gram of the combination of surface-active compounds in the case of lipases.

8. The washing agents and washing agent adjuvants of claim 1 containing from 15 to 40 percent by weight of said combination of surface-active compounds and from to 60 percent by weight of said builder.

9. The washing agents and washing agent adjuvants of claim 8 wherein at least 30 percent by weight of said builder is selected from the group consisting of condensed alkali metal phosphates and organic builders.

l0. Washing agents in powder or granular form containing a compatible textile softener consisting of (a) from l2 to 30 percent by weight of a combination of surface-active compounds consisting of (l) 25 to 65 percent by weight of anionic surface-active compounds selected from the group consisting of sulfonates and sulfates, (2) 5 to 40 percent by weight of non-ionic surface-active compounds, (3) 10 to 50 percent by weight of straight-chain fatty acid soap, (4) 25 to 65 percent by weight of a textile softener selected from the group consisting of (i) compounds of the formula COOH wherein R R, and R are members selected from the group consisting of alkyl having one to 23 carbon atoms and cycloalkylalkyl having from seven to 23 carbon atoms, with the proviso that the total number of carbon atoms in R R and R is from six to 24 carbon atoms, as produced by addition of carbon monoxide and water to olefins by the Koch process, and (ii) water-soluble salts thereof, (5) 0.5 to 5 percent by weight of non-surface-active foam inhibitors effective at temperatures of 60C selected from the group consisting of N-alkylated aminotriazines and aminotriazine adducts with propylene oxide and/or butylene oxide containing from 10 to polyglycol units; (b) 40 to 85 percent by weight of builders selected from the group consisting of neutral to alkaline reacting inorganic and organic builders, at least part of the builders being alkaline reacting inorganic builders, said builders weighing from one to five times that of component (a); and (c) 2 to 35 percent by weight of bleaching components selected from the group consisting of inorganic percompounds and active chlorine compounds.

11. The washing agents of claim 10 wherein a further content of enzymes is present selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases and mixtures thereof wherein the enzymatic activity is in the range of 50 to 5,000 LVE per gram of total washing agent in the case of proteases, of 20 to 5,000 SKBE per gram of total washing agent in the case of amylases and of 2 to 1,000 IE per gram of total washing agent in the case of lipases.

12. The washing agents of claim 10 wherein said nonsurface-active foam inhibitors of component (a) (5) is incorporated with solid particles of the washing agent with said foam inhibitors surrounding at least partially said solid particles.

13. Prewashing agents in powder or granular form containing a compatible textile softener consisting of (a) from 5 to 8 percent by weight of a combination of surface-active compounds consisting of (l) 25 to 65 percent by weight of anionic surface-active compounds selected from the group consisting of sulfonates and sulfates, (2) to 5 to 40 percent by weight of nonionic surface-active compounds, (3) 10 to 50 percent by weight of straight-chain fatty acid soap, (4) 25 to 65 percent by weight of a textile softener selected from the group consisting of (i) compounds of the formula wherein R R and R are members selected from the group consisting of alkyl having one to 23 carbon atoms and cycloalkylalkyl having from seven to 23 carbon atoms, with the proviso that the total number of carbon atoms in R R, and R is from six to 24 carbon atoms, as produced by addition of carbon monoxide and water to olefins by the Koch process, and (ii) water-soluble salts thereof, (5) 0.5 to 5 percent by weight of non-surface-active foam inhibitors effective at temperatures over 60C selected from the group consisting of N-alkylated aminotriazines and aminotriazine adducts with propylene oxide and/or butylene glycol containing from 10 to 100 polyglycol units and (b) from to 92 percent of builders selected from the group consisting of neutral to alkaline reacting inorganic and organic builders.

14. The prewashing agents of claim 13 wherein a further content of enzymes is present selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases and mixtures thereof wherein the enzymatic activity is in the range of 50 to 5,000 LVE per gram oftotal washing agent in the case of proteases, of 20 to 5,000 SKBE per gram of total washing agent in the case of amylases and of 2 to 1,000 lE per gram of total washing agent in the case of lipases. 

1. WASHING AGENTS AND WASHING AGENT ADJUVANTS IN GRANULAR OR PASTY FROM UTILIZABLE IN NEUTRAL TO ALKALINE TEXTILE WHASING BATHS WHICH CONSISTS ESSENTIALLY OF (1) FROM 5 TO 80 PERCENT BY WEIGHT OF A COMBINATION OF SURFACE-ACTIVE COMPOUNDS CONSISTING OF (A) FROM 20 TO 90 PERCENT BY WEIGHT OF SAID COMBINATION OF CUSTOMARY SURFACE-ACTIVE COMPOUNDS UTILIZABLE IN NEUTRAL TO ALKALINE WHASHING BATHS CONSISTING OF A MIXTURE OF (I) AT LAST 50 PERCENT BY WEIGHT OF THE MIXTURE OF ANIONIC SURFACE-ACTIVE COMPOUNDS SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF SURFACEACTIVE SULFONATES, SURFACE-ACTIVE SULFATES AND STRAIGHT-CHAIN FATTY ACID SOAPS, AND (II) NON-IONIC SURFACE-ACTIVE COMPOUNDS, AND (B) FROM 80 TO 10 PERCENT BY WEIGHT OF SAID COMBINATION OF A TEXTILE SOFTENER SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF (1) MIXTURES OF COMPOUNDS OF THE FORMULA
 2. The washing agents and washing agent adjuvants of claim 1 wherein components (a) are present in an amount of from 75 to 35 percent by weight and components (b) are present in an amount of from 25 to 65 percent by weight.
 3. The washing agents and washing agent adjuvants of claim 1 wherein the sum of the carbon atoms in R3, R4 and R5 is between 7 and
 19. 4. The washing agents and washing agent adjuvants of claim 1 wherein at least part of said mixture of anionic surface-active compounds and non-ionic surface-active compounds of component (a) is said straight-chain fatty acid soap and the fatty acids present in said soap consist of at least 50 percent of saturated fatty acids with from 16 to 30 carbon atoms, wherein foaming of said combination of surface-active compounds in water is reduced at higher temperatures.
 5. The washing agents and washing agent adjuvant of claim 4 wherein at least 3 percent of said fatty acids in said soap have from 20 to 30 carbon atoms.
 6. The washing agents and washing agent adjuvant of claim 4 wherein at least 5 percent of said fatty acids in said soap have from 20 to 30 carbon atoms.
 7. The washing agents and washing agent adjuvant of claim 1 wherein a further content of enzymes is present selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases and mixtures thereof, wherein the enzymatic activity is in the range of 62.5 to 50,000 LVE per gram of the combination of surface-active compounds in the case of proteases, of 25 to 50,000 SKBE per gram of the combination of surface-active compounds in the cases of amylases and of 2.5 to 10,000 IE per gram of the combination of surface-active compounds in the case of lipases.
 8. The washing agents and washing agent adjuvants of claim 1 containing from 15 to 40 percent by weight of said combination of surface-active compounds and from 85 to 60 percent by weight of said builder.
 9. The washing agents and washing agent adjuvants of claim 8 wherein at least 30 percent by weight of said builder is selected from the group consisting of condensed alkali metal phosphates and organic builders.
 10. Washing agents in powder or granular form containing a compatible textile softener consisting of (a) from 12 to 30 percent by weight of a combination of surface-active compounds consisting of (1) 25 to 65 percent by weight of anionic surface-active compounds selected from the group consisting of sulfonates and sulfates, (2) 5 to 40 percent by weight of non-ionic surface-active compounds, (3) 10 to 50 percent by weight of straight-chain fatty acid soap, (4) 25 to 65 percent by weight of a textile softener selected from the group consisting of (i) compounds of the formula
 11. The washing agents of claim 10 wherein a further content of enzymes is present selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases and mixtures thereof wherein the enzymatic activity is in the range of 50 to 5,000 LVE per gram of total washing agent in the case of proteases, of 20 to 5,000 SKBE per gram of total washing agent in the case of amylases and of 2 to 1,000 IE per gram of total washing agent in the case of lipases.
 12. The washing agents of claim 10 wherein said non-surface-active foam inhibitors of component (a) (5) is incorporated with solid particles of the washing agent with said foam inhibitors surrounding at least partially said solid particles.
 13. Prewashing agents in powder or granular form containing a compatible textile softener consisting of (a) from 5 to 8 percent by weight of a combination of surface-active compounds consisting of (1) 25 to 65 percent by weight of anionic surface-active compounds selected from the group consisting of sulfonates and sulfates, (2) to 5 to 40 percent by weight of nonionic surface-active compounds, (3) 10 to 50 percent by weight of straight-chain fatty acid soap, (4) 25 to 65 percent by weight of a textile softener selected from the group consisting of (i) compounds of the formula
 14. The prewashing agents of claim 13 wherein a further content of enzymes is present selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases and mixtures thereof wherein the enzymatic activity is in the range of 50 to 5,000 LVE per gram of total washing agent in the case of proteases, of 20 to 5,000 SKBE per gram of total washing agent in the case of amylases and of 2 to 1,000 IE per gram of total washing agent in the case of lipases. 